It has been a monumental week for the AICPA and the profession. I would like to take the opportunity in this update to bring you up to date on the outputs from our spring Council meeting and briefly introduce myself as your new chair.
 
Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, announces retirement
 
After 30 years serving the AICPA and our profession, Barry has announced his plan to retire at the end of this year. He has played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting the profession. From championing digital innovation and DEI to guiding the profession to think and act globally, he strived to position the profession as the heart of the business world. I encourage you to read this fitting piece published in the Journal of Accountancy exploring his career and achievements.
 
Over the coming months, many of you will have the opportunity to hear from Barry on both his reflections and thoughts about the future of accounting and finance. On behalf of members, the Association board, AICPA Council, and the profession, we are indebted to Barry’s contribution, commitment, and service to the profession.
 
Search for new CEO
 
The board has appointed a Selection Committee that is now working with the largest executive search firm, Korn Ferry, to identify Barry’s replacement. The appointment is expected to be announced before the end of the year. Details regarding the role can be found here.
 
Professional issues
 
A key benefit of the AICPA is helping the profession stay a step ahead. The meeting discussed the issues and opportunities driving transformation in the external environment and within the profession, including continued global political and economic uncertainty, the promise and complexity of AI, the continued challenges in staffing and retaining talent, and the opportunity to accelerate and lead in spaces like sustainability, DAS, CAS, BOI, and other client-facing areas.
 
To get a better insight into these points, listen to the Professional Issues Update.
 
Pipeline
 
Earlier this month, the National Pipeline Advisory Group released its Accounting Talent Solutions Draft Report, identifying six themes and recommendations from its extensive research. The group was convened by the AICPA in July 2023, and the final report will be published in July, detailing the root causes of the profession’s attrition and potential solutions.
 
Serving the professions
 
Spring Council was also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution to the profession of our Gold Medal of Distinction winner, Robert (Bob) Kueppers, and salute the service of Okorie Ramsey, who now steps into the AICPA immediate past chair role.
 
Value, opportunity, and transformation
 
Lastly, as I conclude my first message to you as your new chair, I want to share my focus for the year ahead and specifically call out three key issues facing the profession and what we collectively need to do about them: 

• Value: We are strategic advisers, responsible for leading by example in every business, firm, and organization. We need to better articulate our value to clients and stakeholders.
• Transformation: Our profession is on the cusp of a great leap in productivity in professional services. We must remain at the forefront of innovation and transformation through remaining curious and continuously learning.
• Opportunity: We are a people profession and must improve that image to attract future generations. We all need to play a part in publicizing what a great career choice our profession is.

I am grateful to serve as your chair and be part of the conversations to address the challenges and opportunities we face as a profession. I look forward to helping accelerate and lead our profession through the year ahead.
 
Yours,
Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA
Chair of the American Institute of CPAs and Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants